Spar: controlled descent
Note Chris's reference to crane time and operator time -- it is a "time ($) and materials" sort of operation.
When we pulled our spar, the boat came into the yard dock with the boom off, foredeck cleared of pole, etc. Sails removed, of course. All turnbuckles were lubbed and loosened and retightened just enough -- they were all ready to be undone again. I had marked all the turnbuckle threads so that the initial tune would be OK once it was restepped.
All wiring was disconnected inside the headliner and, on our model boat, the table was removed and stored aside. Inside the boat the "path was cleared" to get to the mast step and some cardboard was put down over the sole.
Boot removed and saved.
All halyards either removed and replaced with tag lines or secured to the spinnaker bulls eye. Needless to say, no lines were left in the base turning blocks. Note: take some good notes and pictures of the halyard/housetop layout first to help you reassemble this big ol' bunch 'o' lines when you start putting it back together later!
Object is to be really really *ready* for the yard crane operator and the helper on board to work fast and conserve my money (their 'time' equals my 'money').
I stood by to assist wherever they wanted my help, and stayed out of their way when asked to.
Wedges needed to be caught and stored aside, for instance.
The process went well and relatively fast. The guys expressed their thanks that our boat was 100% ready for them, unlike some they get.
Best of luck,
Loren in PDX
ps: in the on-line list of services and fees for our local yard, I copied this info:
"Mast step or un-step: $100 minimum -- $75 per hour"
